An ANC councillor in the Maluti-A-Phofung Local Municipality in the Free State has been arrested for allegedly defrauding a community member of R70,000. The councillor, identified as Ellen Mofokeng, reportedly promised to secure an RDP (Reconstruction and Development Programme) house for the victim after receiving the payment. However, the promised house was never delivered, raising serious concerns about corruption and fraud within the municipality.
This arrest has sent shockwaves through the Maluti-A-Phofung municipality, which has been grappling with a range of governance and service delivery challenges. The incident reflects ongoing issues related to the illegal selling or allocation of RDP houses—a problem that government departments and local authorities have struggled to address. Authorities have expressed determination to tackle such fraudulent practices vigorously to restore public trust.
The case also highlights wider frustrations in the community regarding access to housing and the exploitation of vulnerable citizens by public officials entrusted with delivering essential services. Investigations are ongoing as law enforcement seeks to hold those responsible to account and prevent similar abuses in the future. The arrest marks a critical step in addressing fraud within housing schemes in the Free State and ensuring transparency and fairness in the distribution of government-assisted housing.